'Women power' the driving force behind unique Randolph marketplace

Women Who Create has opened a market selling fresh produce and arts and crafts at the Jonathan Belcher House on Route 28.

Sara Cline

RANDOLPH – A vision of collaborative community appreciation for artisan handiwork, creative endeavors and locally-sourced foods has transitioned into a weekend trading oasis in the heart of Randolph.

The brainchild of Women Who Create, this on-trend marketplace combines fresh produce with handmade or curated arts and crafts, housed in the historic Jonathan Belcher House grounds, 360 North Main St.

“Alexandra Alexopoulos, Mary Fernandes, Vernell Rivers-Fisher and I are good friends and have been talking for a few years about bringing to Randolph an artisans collaboration,” said organizer Jeannette Travaline.

“After many meetings and much conversation, we found a location.”

Town Manager David Murphy supported the project, said Travaline, along with the integration of Randolph’s first farmers’ market, said Travaline

“We thought the collaboration of the two would work and set us apart from other farmers’ markets.”

The produce and food vendors now set up tables Saturday mornings from 9 to 1 on the grounds outside the barn.

The barn’s artisans are open Fridays from 3-7 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The women sell various items, including antiques, paintings, bags, custom clothing, wreaths, jewelry, loose teas and pastry, said Travaline, who sells painted and vintage furniture at the market.

“There is no other thing like this on the South Shore. It is absolutely the first of its kind,” Travaline said. “And we started it. It’s women power.”

Evolving is a “Tea at Twilight” event on Fridays from 5-7. Fernandes and Rivers-Fisher serve hot and cold tea with small fare of sandwiches and pastry. And musical entertainment will also be on the menu shortly.

Most of the vendors are female, but anyone can participate.

“Maybe someone is saying to themselves, ‘I have a lot of zucchini in my garden this year.’ Well, they should come down and sell it here,” Travaline said.